Handling tips? First Handling session today.

I was wondering if anyone has any tips for handling a new BP for the first time.

She ate 2 hoppers sunday, so 48 hours later I feel we are good to go. I think some handling might make her more comfortable in her new home and more accepting of the feeding tongs and my general prescense.


I am pretty sure she will tag me, after she tried firday night when I was checking temps and thats okay. I just want some info on what to do and how long it could be. and signs it might be overstressing her.


Also a follow up.


How can you tell if they are drinking? I change her water and mist everyday but I don't see urine. also No droppings since the day I got her.

if they have water they will drink if they are thirsty, but they dont go to the bathroom like mammals they can go weeks with out passing anything and when they do its both in a solid form urates (pee) solid white poop looking stuff and then normal brown poop.

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Originally Posted by 771subliminal

if they have water they will drink if they are thirsty, but they dont go to the bathroom like mammals they can go weeks with out passing anything and when they do its both in a solid form urates (pee) solid white poop looking stuff and then normal brown poop.

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Thanks I had heard that just making sure. I had expected to see tainted water or something once a week.

No handling tips? Is it okay to just uncover her and take her out?

Let her move hand to hand?

Signs of stress?

As far as handling her as long as she has settled in nicely there shouldn't be any worries as far as handling her. Just don't over due it. I have a Mojave that is alittle snippy and I have just got into the habit of removing her hide and comeing from the back side of her to pick her up. My hand doesn't go head on to her or she will tag me.

Most of the time snakes will get all the water they need from their prey. I have had mine for over a year and I have only seen them actually drinking twice.

I appreciate it!

I think she's settled pretty nicely I no longer see her nuzzling thr corner or pressing up against the sliding door. Mostly at night she'll lay her head outside her hide or sprawl across two of them. and kinda chill out.


the last time I saw her trying to escape she was beating at the corner I had hoppers thawing on. So I took that as a feeeeeeeeed me sign.

Approach her and handle her with confidence. If you are tentative, the snake will pick up on it and that will make it more nervous and more likely to strike.

A lot of people like to stroke the snake's body (not near the head) once or twice as a sort of signal to the snake so it will eventually understand that means it is about to be picked up. I'm not sure if it makes a big difference, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

For a first session, I would not handle her for very long, 15 minutes at the most. If she misbehaves, such as striking at you, try to wait until she has calmed down before you put her away. Snakes are capable of learning to at least some extent, and no sense in teaching her that if she bites, she'll get put away.

Always remember that your BP is a shy, secretive species. Although many BPs grow accustomed to handling, it is generally something that is done for the owner's pleasure, not the snake's. So be careful not to over do it, especially at first.

I just got done handling her, she was super tense at first so I sat on the couch and just let her sit there in her ball state. Eventually she slowly came out and explored my lap an arms, She didn't strike though on one occassion however she saw one of my cats a few feet away and opened her mouth WIDE at them before closing it.


I didn't hear a hiss though. But it did startle me. I put her away soon after and she went right into one of her hides.

I accidentally came near her head once and I thought she was gonna strike but she calmed down.


Maybe next time I will try walking with her, or letting her move hand to hand instead of just roaming my lap. Still I hope this gave her a good chance to scent me and begin to view me as not a threat.

She didn't strike or react to poorly, though there were times she considered it. I hope this means her husbandry on my part is good and that all her needs are being met.

Hopefully in the future we can build more trust, and she will tolerate being handled in public. I hope I did well.

Hi,

Just to say they are typically really headshy - especially as babies.

I mention this because you said you thought she was going to strike and a lot of people mistake the scared head pulled back pose for the striking pose - look at the tension in the neck next time you feed her and you should see the difference. :gj:

Also when you mention her reaction to seeing that cat it actually sounds like she yawned. It is so cute when they do that. :D

Just wanted to say it sounds like you actually did better than you think . :gj:


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

Just to say they are typically really headshy - especially as babies.

I mention this because you said you thought she was going to strike and a lot of people mistake the scared head pulled back pose for the striking pose - look at the tension in the neck next time you feed her and you should see the difference. :gj:

Also when you mention her reaction to seeing that cat it actually sounds like she yawned. It is so cute when they do that. :D

Just wanted to say it sounds like you actually did better than you think . :gj:


dr del

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Oh they yawn? :omg:

I never knew snakes yawned. Well that is very cute then :)

Yes I was trying hard not to touch her head but the poor dear was to curious about the couch cushions. She hasn't had a feeding strike for me yet so I haven't seen a strike up close. She always eats the f/t's after I leave.

Thanks doc :D